NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (Interstat) — Maddie Rice scored 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead Massachusetts-Lowell to a 70-54 victory over Central Connecticut in a non-conference women’s basketball game Saturday at William H. Detrick Gymnasium.

The River Hawks improved to 2-1 on the season, while the Blue Devils remained winless at 0-4.

Despite a sloppy performance that featured 23 turnovers from each team, Massachusetts-Lowell used a strong second quarter to build a lead it would not relinquish. After a tight first quarter that ended with Central Connecticut leading 11-10, the River Hawks outscored the Blue Devils 19-9 in the second period to take a 29-20 advantage into halftime.

The Blue Devils mounted a challenge in the third quarter, outscoring the River Hawks 23-20 behind 10 points in the period from Kiyah Lewis, but could not close the gap significantly. Massachusetts-Lowell sealed the win by controlling the fourth quarter, scoring 21 points to Central Connecticut’s 11.

Rice, a 5-foot-8 guard from Charlottesville, Virginia, was efficient from the floor, hitting 3 of 6 from 3-point range. She was supported by Tyanna Medina, who added 16 points, and Jaini Edmonds, who chipped in 14.

Central Connecticut was led by Lewis, who finished with a game-high 24 points and seven rebounds. Lucia Noin, from Santander, Spain, contributed 19 points and eight rebounds for the Blue Devils.

The game was ultimately decided by shooting efficiency. Massachusetts-Lowell shot 40% from the field and 40% from 3-point range. Central Connecticut struggled offensively, shooting just 27.9% from the floor and 26.1% from beyond the arc. The River Hawks also capitalized at the free-throw line, making 20 of 28 attempts, while the Blue Devils went 10 for 12.

Defensively, Klimentina Modeva, a 6-foot-8 center from Ohrid, North Macedonia, was a force for the River Hawks, pulling down 11 rebounds and blocking four shots.

The River Hawks next play at Massachusetts on Tuesday. Central Connecticut looks for its first win when it travels to face Saint John’s on Nov. 24.